Gianna Noffsinger, “Characterization of Immobilization of Proteins on Functionalized Porous Material for Removal of PFAS from Water”
Mentor: Marcia Silva, Global Water Center
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 6000 human-made compounds used in industry. Some of the PFAS have been found to be possibly harmful to human and the environment’s health, found in soil, water, and fatty tissues. There have been various technologies proposed to remove PFAS from water such as activated carbon treatment, ion exchange resins, high-pressure membranes, and etc. Our lab has developed a novel porous material functionalized with graphene-based products for the removal of persistent organic pollutants, including PFAS, from water. In this study, this engineered porous material will be further improved and protein binding properties of surface-modified porous material will be characterized and evaluated for adsorption of PFAS in water.
Great work and presentation, Gianna. It appears that multiple tests of the material improve the adsorption capacity and the percent of POPs of the material, correct? Is there a certain number of tests that is preferred to be conducted on the material? Additionally, is there a maximum percentage of POPs that can be removed via the material before no additional POPs can be removed?